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matdie
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2003
15:24:22
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 Subject: Body vs. Suspension Lift
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Message:
Hi,
I am new so please forgive me if this subject has been beaten to death.
I want to run 285/75x16's (32.8"x11.2") OR if possible, 305/70x16 (32.8"x12) on 16x8 in an 01 QC 4wd 5.9/3.92posi. I use either stock rims with stock offset or AR with stock offset
1. Can I get by with a 3 inch lift?
2. Not including the price difference is a Rancho 3" suspension the better way or is a PA 3" Body? ( In terms of ride and handling)
3. Will I need to crank on the TB's and use a rear block or add a leaf? Again, what are the effects on ride and handling?
4. Will a 3" Body Lift affect my airbag system? Meaning will the different positioning of bumber to sensors cause a problem?
P.S. Does anyone know what kind of lift is on the California Concepts Daks and Durangos that the dealers are selling in CA
Thanks,
Matdie
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A.J.
Dodge Dakota
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5/31/2003
18:23:54
|  RE: Body vs. Suspension Lift
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Message:
You should definatly be able to clear both tire sizes with just a body lift.....You could either spend near 200 dollars for a body lift or over 1000 for a suspension lift. The body lift is very easy to instal as long as you have the tools to do it. I dont know much about the suspension lift but i think its a lot harder to instal.. With a body lift you maintain your factory ride and suspension lift changes your ride a little..I think it makes it stiffer. I dont know if your airbags get affected but when your installing the body lift, you are suppose to take the airbag fuses out just for the instalation....The directions tell you what to do in order to not mess the airbags up....I did mine with no problems a couple weeks ago..The lift cleared my 33in.bfg m/t's easily but i have had to do very litte trimming just cuz i have new wheels with low backspacing......hope that helps
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matdie
Dodge Dakota
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9/25/2003
00:44:35
|  RE: Body vs. Suspension Lift
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Message:
Answers to my own questions posted almost 4 months ago.
1. Yes since I am only running Bridgestone AT REVO 285/75-16 on stock Dak rims.
2. THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION: 3 Inch Rancho is the way to go. Ride and handling is the same if not better because of the Rancho RSX's. It is definitely not any worse.
I've had two body lifts in the past. AGAIN, MY OPINION, the body does flex on the mounts a little more than stock and it "feels" like it leans more.
I haven't wheeled yet, but plan to and am convinced that suspension lift is the best for this.
3. A 2 inch block comes with the kit. The TB's were cranked slightly - the suspension lift nearly maintains the stock settings. (Although I may crank 'em up and go with an add-a-leaf.
4. Never found out. Not an issue with me since the Rancho lift doesn't affect bumber to frame or sensor positioning.
California Concepts puts a block in the back and cranks the bars for a 1.5-2 inch lift, puts on AR wheels with 5" BS and 265/75-16's BFG AT's and sells em through dealers for a $4-5K mark-up
I went with a 3 inch Rancho with longer RSX Shocks and just put on Bridgestone AT REVO's on stock rims. 285/75-16's cleared everything but the lowest point of the Drivers side plastic bumper. Cleared the re-positioned ball joint without the need for spacers. It's 24.5 inches hub to fender flare bottom.
Everyone has an opinion on tires - I went with the Bridgestones 'cause no one said anything bad about them. I only tend to listen when people say they had this or that type of tire for a while and they suck because...
I liked the Nito Terra Grapplers and found someone who was selling a set of 265/70-15's on eBay. He honestly told me he thought they sucked on dry and wet.
Ditto for Geolanders.
BFG AT's owners said shortcomings were dry handling and wet handling as well as noise.
The Revos are brand new, but they are quiet. Will post more as they age.
After all of this, I can honestly say -
IT'S NOT HIGH ENOUGH!!
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wade
Dodge Dakota
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9/26/2003
11:59:39
| RE: Body vs. Suspension Lift
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Message:
mat, can you post a pic? i am considering doing the same set up as you have done, but i am serching right now for a 4" sus lift or higher....mayber considering a 3" sus lift, with add a leafs, and coil spacers for a little more, to run 33's.....
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forexfour
GenIII
9/26/2003
12:50:22
| RE: Body vs. Suspension Lift
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Message:
You can get 4" 's easy on the rancho lift but you will need to pickup the rancho add a leafs. The 3" lift comes with 2" blocks for the back so you do not get 3"'s. Bad thing is you need to crank the TB's to get the Front up. I put on the V-8 TB's that are stronger than the V-6 ones. I am watching all suspension parts for wear as per normal checks and inspections.
I agree the ride is better on the rancho lift and your points on the body lift leaning or seeming to on the mounts.
I also agree with your decision to not go with the BFG at's.
I do not remeber seeing this post before but I am glad things worked out for you.
Wade,
Coil spacers in front you mean a 2wd? I think Mat is talking 4x4.
For me the lift is the perfect height and fit for my needs.
You can always throw the 3" PA lift on for more height. It will work.
What kind of clearance on you Ball joints do you have with the 285's on??
Chris
Never late for a Tee time or wheelin with my buddies! Always ready for both!!!Forexfour's home
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Matdie
Dodge Dakota
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9/28/2003
00:55:02
| RE: Body vs. Suspension Lift
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Message:
Wade,
I can send you pix, send me your e-mail address at matdie@hawaii.com.
Please note that pictures really give you a distorted view. If I take them low to the ground, the truck will look high. If I take them even with or standing up, it doesn't look alot higher than stock. You've really got to check one out in person or better yet, park side by side.
Chris has some great pix of when he first lifted his truck with the rancho, and after the add-a-leaf (I think) and also has some great shots of the rancho install.
Chris, it's me Dave with the green QC that stopped by United a few weeks back.
btw, The Superchips is sweet, can break the new Revos loose if I stomp on it (even if only for a foot or two!) Couldn't do it before with the Wrangler RT/S's which were dogmeat. It's got a mild knock though which I'll have to address. Can't wait to tow!
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v102sf
Dodge Dakota
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10/04/2003
02:07:16
| RE: Body vs. Suspension Lift
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Message:
I have an '01 QC 4x4 that I just put 305/70R16's on. We didn't put any lift in. Just cranked the torsion bars up some and did a little trimming of the wheel well liners (very hard to tell). No changes at all in the back. They are on '01 Dodge Motorsports 16 x 8 wheels. they only rub slightly at full turn either way. It looks very good.
Lee
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